Scotty McCreery Talks About How He And His Dad Both Had The Same College Hangouts At NC State
Courtesy Rebecca Angel Baer - Southern Living
Right off the heels of his American Idol win, Scotty McCreery just wanted the real college experience as he headed to Raleigh.
Scotty McCreery grew up in a house divided. His mother went to UNC and his father is a graduate of NC State. “It was a split marriage there. And same thing with me and Gabi because she went to UNC too,” McCreery told Southern Living. Yes, right off the heels of his season 10 American Idol win, he decided to follow dear ole Dad to Raleigh and NC State.
“I loved it. It was everything I wanted it to be,” he said. The North Carolina native explained that while the win jump started his career, he didn’t want to miss out on the college experience. He enrolled at the same time that he set out on tour with Rascal Flatts. “I just wanted to go there and attend class and hang out with all the kids. Do the football games, the basketball games, all the Halloween parties and all that stuff. I feel like I really got the true college experience even though I was already in the music scene.”
Of course he wasn’t exactly like every other student, even if he did live on campus, attend class, and participate in student activities. He was already a household name, after all. “My first week of class every semester people would kind of find out where I went to class. They wouldn’t stop me but they would be waiting outside of my classroom for pictures and autographs. But then after the first week it’s like all my classmates just realized, oh he’s just a normal dude. He’s just going to college just like us.” The country star took it all in stride, saying he knew that he wouldn’t be able to fly totally under the radar but that he doesn’t feel like it really impeded his ability to enjoy school to the fullest.
“I tried my best to blend in. I tell you my teachers, they did not treat me any differently. They graded me just like everybody else…I tried to just look at it full picture. You only live once and you don’t get 18 to 21, 22 back and I wanted those memories and to have those good times.”
“I didn’t get special passes for the basketball games either. I remember getting up at 4:30 [A.M.] one time to get seats for the Duke game. I waited outside and the game didn’t start til noon. We were out there for like 8 hours just waiting for the game to open up. But it was fun.”
McCreery majored in communication and he took his studies seriously, declaring he often spent time in the library. “I was a big procrastinator, and so one night I stayed up literally all night. I saw the sunset and the sunrise from the same seat right there at the desk from the library. I passed the class, I passed the test, it was worth it.”
The “Cab in a Solo” singer also has fond memories of his professors, one in particular. “Dr. Funkhouser was a really cool guy. Would come in in suits and a bowtie every day but he was also the voice of the football team on game days on Saturdays. I grew up going to games, so he was teaching me in class but if I close my eyes, it was like I was there in Carter-Finley stadium and listening to him over the PA.”
Off campus, McCreery also took in all of the things Raleigh had to offer, including many of the same haunts his dad frequented during his time as a student there.
“Wednesday nights were for us, we had this bowling alley that we would go to and it was just called The Alley. My dad went there when he was in school in the '80s and it was a bowling alley but it was also a bar and it was just the coolest thing. And everybody at school knew that Wednesday night, you gotta be at The Alley.”
While the Alley closed several years ago now, some of McCreery’s spots are still there for students and Raleigh locals to enjoy. “ A place called Mitch’s Tavern is another really cool bar. It’s been there forever. It’s still there. And like I said my dad went there when he was there and I went there. That’s kind of the cool thing about State, they’ve done a pretty decent job of keeping a lot of the history.”
McCreery thinks Raleigh is the perfect college town because it has “a big city feel,” but “everybody still has those Southern manners. They’re holding the door for you and this and that. Yes Ma’am and No Ma’am. So it hasn’t totally lost its small town even though it’s getting bigger and bigger. To me it’s the people, it’s the vibe. I’m a pretty low key guy. If you’re looking for that, a low key town where you can still get out and have a good time, to me, Raleigh is kind of the perfect place.”
Scotty McCreery Announces 'Cab in a Solo Tour' for 2024
With another recent RIAA certification under his belt, the most first-week adds at country radio (120) of his career for latest single “Cab in a Solo,” and on the heels of celebrating a milestone 30th birthday yesterday, Triple Tigers recording artist Scotty McCreery is ready to kick 2024 off with a bang.
Having spent almost half his life in the spotlight making country music, the North Carolina native continues to push himself creatively as well as personally and is set to launch the next chapter in his career with his headlining Cab in a Solo Tour. Named after his current single of the same name, McCreery will be joined by Anne Wilson as direct support as well as Greylan James and Noah Hicks on select dates. The tour, produced by Live Nation, will kick-off at Hobart Arena in Troy, OH on Jan. 26, 2024, and trek across the U.S. with stops in Atlanta, Philadelphia, Boston and more.
“I’m on the road year ‘round, but I always love putting together specific tours and I think next year’s Cab in a Solo Tour is gonna be one of my favorites,” said McCreery. “Happy to have Anne Wilson join us on the road – she’s a great singer. Depending on the city, either Greylan James or Noah Hicks will be opening up the show and they’re both fantastic performers. And who knows, maybe I’ll share a few songs from my upcoming new album! I’m looking forward to it!”
Tickets on sale Friday, Oct. 13 at 10 am local time. Purchase at ScottyMcCreery.com.
There are four pre-sales prior to Friday. Citi pre-sale begins today at 10 am local time through Thursday (Oct. 12) at 10 pm local time. Scotty McCreery Fan Club pre-sale begins today at 12 noon local time through Thursday (Oct. 12) at 10 pm local time. Anne Wilson Fan Club pre-sale begins tomorrow (Wednesday, Oct. 11) at 10 am local time through Thursday (Oct. 12) at 10 pm local time. Noah Hicks Fan Club and Greylan James Fan Club pre-sales begin on Thursday, Oct. 12 at 10 am local time through 10 pm local time that evening.
Cab in a Solo Tour Dates:
1/26/2024 Troy
1/27/2024 Shipshewana
2/1/2024 Durham
2/2/2024 Atlanta
2/3/2024 Chattanooga
2/8/2024 Brookings
2/9/2024 Des Moines IA
2/10/2024 Omaha
2/22/2024 Independence
2/23/2024 Norman
2/29/2024 Philadelphia
3/1/2024 Boston
3/2/2024 Syracuse
3/14/2024 Johnstown
3/15/2024 Wallingford
3/16/2024 Schenectady
*Previously Announced Date
+ Anne Wilson
^Greylan James
#Noah Hicks
~On sale October 20
Written by McCreery, Frank Rogers and Brent Anderson and produced by Rogers, Derek Wells, and Aaron Eshuis, “Cab in a Solo” offers the first taste of new music from McCreery since the release of his 2021 album Same Truck. Stream “Cab in a Solo” HERE.
Upon its release, Taste of Country declared “McCreery’s country roots shine.” With a hint of neotraditional country and dash of 90’s country nostalgia, the heartbreak track finds the happily married father in unfamiliar territory – lamenting a failed relationship.
“Cab in a Solo” follows the recent success of “It Matters to Her” the fastest climbing single of McCreery’s career. The singer/songwriter has earned five consecutive No. 1 hits in the last few years including RIAA Platinum-certified No. 1 “Damn Strait” and RIAA Gold-certified No. 1 “You Time,” all found on Same Truck: The Deluxe Album.
Earlier this summer McCreery joined the Brooks & Dunn REBOOT Tour 2023. He is currently out on the road for his own headlining tour with 25+ dates through the fall.
McCreery is among six inductees in the 2023 class scheduled to be enshrined in the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame during the annual induction ceremony this fall. The induction ceremony will take place on Thursday, October 19, 2023, at the Mooresville Performing Arts Center in Mooresville, N.C. VIP and General Reserved tickets are available HERE.
Previously Announced Headlining Dates
Oct. 12 Flint, MI
Oct. 13 Winchester, VA Patsy Cline Theatre
Oct. 14 Harrisburg, NC Harrisburg Park Amphitheater
Oct. 20 Biloxi, MS
Oct. 21 Hiawassee, GA Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
Oct. 26 Edinburg, TX Bert Ogden Arena
Oct. 27 San Antonio, TX H-E-B Performance Hall – Tobin Center
Oct. 28 Ft. Worth, TX Billy Bob’s Texas
Nov. 4 Surf City, NC Southside Park
Nov. 17 Mashantucket, CT Foxwoods Resort and Casino
Nov. 18 Wilkes-Barre, PA F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts
Nov. 19 New Philadelphia, OH Kent State Tuscarawas Performing Arts Center
Nov. 30. Roanoke, VA Berglund Performing Arts Center
Dec. 1 Wheeling, WV Capitol Theatre
Dec. 3 Nashville, TN Opry Country Christmas at the Grand Ole Opry
Dec. 6 Athens, OH Templeton Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium
Dec. 7 Wabash, IN Honeywell Center
Dec. 8 Ottumwa, IA Bridge View Center
McCreery will be back on the Opry stage on December 3 as part of “Opry Country Christmas.” Tickets can be purchased at Opry.com.
SCOTTY MCCREERY OCTOBER FAN OF THE MONTH
Congratulations to the Scotty McCreery Fan of the Month for October 2023, Windy B! Learn more about Windy below!
Where are you from?: Grimesland, North Carolina
How many years have you been a fan?: 12Years
How many years have you been a fan club member? 11 years!
What is your favorite Scotty song? Carolina Moon
What is your favorite Scotty album? See You Tonight
How many times have you seen Scotty live? What was your first show? What was your favorite show? I have seen Scotty live 7 times. My first show was in 2012 when he was on tour with Brad Paisley in Virginia Beach. My favorite show was the first time i saw him live (my 16th birthday present and first meet and greet) the 2012 Brad Paisley show.
What’s one thing that sets you apart from other Scotty fans? I have been a fan since American idol and I still get just as excited for new music and close tour stops.
SCOTTY McCREERY CELEBRATES RIAA GOLD CERTIFICATION FOR "IT MATTERS TO HER" AT THE GRAND OLE OPRY
On the heels of earning the most first week adds of his career (120) with his latest single "Cab in a Solo," Triple Tigers recording artist Scotty McCreery celebrated another career milestone during his Grand Ole Opry appearance last night -- Gold Certification from the RIAA for his most recent hit "It Matters to Her." Written by McCreery with veteran Music City songwriters Rhett Akins and Lee Thomas Miller, the song captures lessons learned during his first four years of marriage to wife, Gabi.
"I am thankful to my fans and my team anytime a song of mine is certified Gold," shared McCreery. "I don’t take it for granted. But, to be presented a Gold album plaque for 'It Matters to Her' on the Grand Ole Opry stage is something I will always treasure."
With another RIAA certification under his belt and the release of his new single, the country crooner launches a new chapter in his career just as he approaches his 30th birthday next month. Having spent almost half his life making country music, the North Carolina native continues to push himself creatively as well as personally. Stream "Cab in a Solo" HERE.
Written by McCreery, Frank Rogers and Brent Anderson and produced by Rogers, Derek Wells, and Aaron Eshuis, “Cab in a Solo” offers the first taste of new music from McCreery since the release of his 2021 album Same Truck.
Upon its release, Taste of Country declared “McCreery’s country roots shine.” With a hint of neotraditional country and dash of 90’s country nostalgia, the heartbreak track finds the happily married father in unfamiliar territory – lamenting a failed relationship.
"Cab in a Solo" follows the recent success of “It Matters to Her” the fastest climbing single of McCreery’s career. The singer/songwriter has earned five consecutive No. 1 hits in the last few years including RIAA Platinum-certified No. 1 “Damn Strait” and RIAA Gold-certified No. 1 “You Time,” all found on Same Truck: The Deluxe Album.
Earlier this summer McCreery joined the Brooks & Dunn REBOOT Tour 2023. He is currently out on the road for his own headlining tour with 25+ dates through the fall.
McCreery is among six inductees in the 2023 class scheduled to be enshrined in the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame during the annual induction ceremony this fall. The induction ceremony will take place on Thursday, October 19, 2023 at the Mooresville Performing Arts Center in Mooresville, N.C. VIP and General Reserved tickets are available HERE.
McCreery will be back on the Opry stage on December 3 as part of “Opry Country Christmas.” Tickets can be purchased at Opry.com.
L to R: Laura Hostelley (VP, Marketing - Triple Tigers Records), Allison Bostrom (VP, Marketing - Triple 8 Management), Raffaella Braun (Director, National Promotion - Triple Tigers Records), Jackie Jones (SVP, Artist & Industry Relations – RIAA), Kevin Herring (Co-President, Triple Tigers Records), Scotty McCreery, Annie Ortmeier (Co-President, Triple Tigers Records), Scott Stem (McCreery’s Manager, Triple 8 Management), George Couri (McCreery’s Manager; Owner, Triple 8 Management; and Managing Partner, Triple Tigers Records), and Dan Rogers (VP & Executive Producer, Grand Ole Opry) | Photo Credit: Chris Holl
SCOTTY MCCREERY SEPTEMBER FAN OF THE MONTH
Congratulations to the Scotty McCreery Fan of the Month for September 2023, Jacquelyn S! Learn more about Jacquelyn below!
Where are you from?: Missouri
How many years have you been a fan?: Ever since he auditioned for American Idol!
How many years have you been a fan club member? A long time (I don't remember exactly)
What is your favorite Scotty song? Five More Minutes, This Is It, Still, I Love You This Big, That Old King James, The Waiter, How Ya Doing Up There
What is your favorite Scotty album? Same Truck
How many times have you seen Scotty live? What was your first show? What was your favorite show? 7! My favorite show was at Lindenwood University in St. Louis, Missouri because I got to go on his bus afterwards!
What’s one thing that sets you apart from other Scotty fans? I'm a teacher and have a "McCreerian Classroom" playlist on Spotify and I listen to it so much that some of my students sing along!
SCOTTY McCREERY PERFORMS AT MEMORIAL STADIUM ON “VOLLEYBALL DAY IN NEBRASKA”
UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA VOLLEYBALL TEAM EVENT SETS NEW WORLD RECORD FOR HIGHEST ATTENDANCE AT A WOMEN’S SPORTING EVENT WITH 92,003 FANS IN ATTENDANCE
Triple Tigers recording artist Scotty McCreery performed a concert following the University of Nebraska Ladies Volleyball Team’s winning match (3-0) against Omaha at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Nebraska last night. The event set a new world’s record for highest attendance at a women’s sporting event with 92,003 fans in attendance and was designed “Volleyball Day in Nebraska.”
“That was something I will never forget,” said McCreery after coming off stage. “It’s the biggest crowd I’ve ever played in front of, and they were fantastic. Hearing 92,003 people sing along and watching them dance and enjoy themselves is something I will never forget. Congrats to the Nebraska Volleyball Team on their win and setting the new world record. Those ladies are amazing athletes and it was exciting to watch their games. I thank them for having me be a part of the event!”
McCreery performed his new single “Cab in a Solo” as well as his five consecutive number one hits and many fan favorites. He is out on the road over the next few months on his Fall 2023 Tour (tour dates at www.ScottyMcCreery.com) and will be inducted into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame on October 19.